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Trupanion Pet Insurance Review

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Trupanion is a Seattle-based pet insurance company that sells medical insurance for dogs and cats. Trupanion policies are underwritten by American Pet Insurance Company. Founded in Canada, the company expanded into the US and Puerto Rico in 2005. Trupanion offers policies that cover your pets if they get sick or injured, and also cover prescription pet foods, orthotic devices, and carts.

How is Trupanion rated?

Breakdown

5.0/5
Coverage
4.5/5
Cost
4.5/5
Extras

Overall Rating: 4.8 / 5 (Excellent)

Trupanion has comprehensive coverage and a great reputation, scoring an excellent rating on Trust Pilot. However, although unlimited per-condition lifetime coverage is a great perk, it can be far more coverage--and consequently far more expensive--than some pet owners need. And that highlights the main issue with Trupanion: inflexibility. They have only one plan*, one benefit limit, and one high reimbursement percentage. This does not give consumers the opportunity to "adjust the knobs" and change the cost of their monthly premium. They are, however, the only company that can pay your veterinarian directly at the time of checkout.

Trupanion Coverage

Coverage - 5 / 5

Trupanion offers comprehensive coverage that covers prescriptions and prescription foods. As with most plans, the company will not cover preventative care, taxes, exam fees, or pre-existing conditions. Trupanion also offers additional "owner assistance" coverage. This package includes third-party damage, trip cancellation, advertising and reward, alternative therapies, and breeding dog protection. While other pet insurance companies, for example, Healthy Paws Pet Insurance or Petplan Insurance, provide these services in their standard plans, they are only available through Trupanion at an extra cost.

With Trupanion, you have the option to get a recovery and complementary care rider that pays for non-clinical procedures such as behavior modification therapy, hydrotherapy, rehabilitation, and chiropractic care for an additional cost.*
Pets Covered
Dogs
Cats
Coverage Types
Medical
Vet Selection
Unrestricted
Out-of-State Coverage
Yes
Commercial Pets Covered

Medical Conditions Covered

  • Accidental
  • Illness
  • Hereditary
  • Congenital
  • Cancer
  • Chronic
  • Accidental Dental
  • Dental Illness

Medical Treatments Covered

  • Diagnostic Testing
  • Surgery
  • Hospitalization
  • Prescription Medications
  • Emergency Care
  • Specialty Care
  • Alternative Care
  • Behavioral Therapy
  • Prosthetics & Mobility Aids

Benefit Limits

Benefit Limits - 5 / 5

Trupanion offers no limits on benefits of any kind, per-incident, annual, or lifetime. While this is indeed a great feature for peace of mind, again, it might suit a particular customer's situation to not have unlimited coverage. For example, someone might know from past experience or the vets in their area that there will be a rock solid limit to what they will possibly spend in a year. Other companies might offer a benefit limit in line with this, and as a result a much lower monthly premium. Having the option is always a good thing.
Benefit Limit Types
Unlimited

Reimbursement & Deductibles

Reimbursement - 5 / 5

Unlike other companies, Trupanion does not allow you to choose a reimbursement percentage. They only offer 90%*. While this is a generous reimbursement, it limits the client's flexibility in customizing their premium. For some pet owners, a lower reimbursement percentage and lower monthly premium might be preferable to Trupanion's single reimbursement model.
Reimbursement Model
Actual Cost
Minimum Percent Reimbursement
90%
Maximum Percent Reimbursement
90%

Deductibles - 5 / 5

Trupanion sets itself apart from the pack by offering a per-incident lifetime deductible*. This means that your deductible will not reset annually. For a given condition, once you pay your deductible, you can receive unlimited benefits for the rest of the pet's life. Among Trupanion's deductible choices is a $0 deductible, which most plans do not offer.
Deductible Type
Annual
Minimum Deductible Offered
$0
Maximum Deductible Offered
$0

Pricing: How much does Trupanion cost?

Cost - 4.5 / 5

Trupanion's premiums are definitely on the high end of the spectrum. Although the coverage is quite comprehensive, similar coverages are available for up to $20 less a month.

Trupanion earns 4.3 out of 5 stars from Trust Pilot. It's extremely important to read any policy you're considering carefully and to pay particular attention to the limits placed around pre-existing conditions.

Starting Monthly Premiums

Dog: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male Golden Retriever in zip code 92683
$59.21
Cat: Sample Monthly Premium, 1 year old male American Shorthair in zip code 92683
$32.41
Rate Details: Annual Deductible: $700, Benefit Cap: Annual & Unlimited, Reimbursement Model: 90% of Actual Cost

Enrollment & Waiting Periods

Enrollment - 4.5 / 5

Pets are eligible to enroll from birth to 13.9 years old. Trupanion has a 5-day waiting period for accidents and a 30-day waiting period for illnesses. As opposed to other plans, Trupanion does not have any malady-specific waiting periods for things like dysplasia and cruciate ligaments.
Min Enrollment Age
0 weeks
Max Enrollment Age
14 years
Accident Waiting Period
5 days
Illnesses Waiting Period
30 days
Free Look Period
30 days

Claims & Service

Extras - 4.5 / 5

Trupanion says claims will be fulfilled within 60 days. Although this is twice as long as the period offered by other carriers, you must keep in mind that Trupanion is one of the few pet insurance providers that have the capacity and technology to pay your vet or hospital directly. This is a huge deal because, unlike with many other plans, with Trupanion you can limit out-of-pocket expenses. They also claim to process about 60% of claims in just 24 hours. If you do file your own claims, the company requires you to download the claim form via online portal, then submit it by email, mail, or fax.
Advertised Response Time
7 days
Claim Form
Online Portal

Company Disclaimers

State Farm and the State Farm logo are registered trademarks of State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company, its subsidiaries and affiliates, neither offer nor are financially responsible for pet insurance products. State Farm is a separate entity and is not affiliated with Trupanion or American Pet Insurance. Trupanion is a registered trademark owned by Trupanion, Inc. Underwritten in the United States by American Pet Insurance Company or ZPIC Insurance Company, 6100 4th Ave S, Seattle, WA 98108. Sold and administered by Trupanion Managers USA, Inc. (CA license No. 0G22803, NPN 9588590). Coverage is subject to policy terms and conditions, waiting periods, does not include coverage for pre-existing conditions.

Contact & Additional Information

Homepage URL
Headquarters Address
6100 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98108
Mailing Address
6100 4th Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98108
Year Founded
2000

What We’re Hearing From Our Readers
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Customer Comments

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Tey-na R

12/26/2016
I reviewed pet insurance options with a few companies. Trupanion was thorough answering my questions and confirmed that my rates are not based in my claims history, and are relative to category risk. My first experience with a Trupanion claim was positive. I've found they are thorough with regards to analyzing and paying the claim properly. They are prompt with providing a quote while I am still in the vet clinic, so I know my financial obligation towards the procedures. It is a relief for an odd and unexpected illness. I will be watching to ensure I do not see significant premium increases year over previous. At this point I would certainly suggest all pet owners purchase insurance... Read More
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Mary J

12/26/2016
My cat became ill with what was eventually diagnosed as pancreatitis. He spent three days and two nights in the vet hospital. I was reimbursed by Trupanion quickly and efficiently according to the conditions of my policy.
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L
Linda

12/23/2016
You worked with my vet office because I don't have a fax and didn't have internet access the day I tried to submit Scooter's claim. I called office to check on update and mailing address. The representative was patient and helpful. Thank you in a time of stress to make the claim go so smoothly.
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Ami

12/23/2016
If it weren't for Trupanion, I don't know what would have happened to our Seamus. We adopted him from an ASPCA shelter that had partnered with Trupanion to provide a certificate that offered coverage from day one with no waiting period. I had also purchased a policy from another company that was slightly cheaper. But less than two weeks after we brought him home he wasn't doing well. It turned out we had adopted him with a foriegn body ingestation. The prior authorization process was stress relieving. Trupanion was great. We cancelled the other policy and got a refund. Seamus has lots of health and behavioral issues. Our claims are I usually approved within a day or two and funds... Read More
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Majô F

12/23/2016
I signed up for Trupanion, for our yellow Lab Lucy, for over 2 years. It has been a very positive experience. The representatives I talked to on the phone were always very nice and helpful. The claims have been processed quickly and without surprises. I would highly recommend Trupanion as a dog insurance to any dog owner.
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A
Antonia T

9/25/2016
Our dog is considered family. There is no value to having piece of mind to his well being. Trupanion is excellent in providing us the ability to keep our fur baby safe and healthy. Thank you.
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Linda

12/22/2016
Reimbursements have been quick and easy with Trupanion. Although, I did not use my insurance early on, and perhaps could have, I have found now that my two dogs have needed a specialist, Trupanion has been very receptive. I am still a little confused about when the $100 deductible is applied or not applied, which I'll figure out later when things quiet down a bit. The rates for insurance has gone up several times, noting the cost of medical care has gone up. This is not the consumers fault, we are paying higher medical bills too. I wish all around, insurance companies would continue to charge the rate that you signed up for with your policy.....but it just isn't so with any insurance... Read More
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roger l

12/22/2016
I wish my medical insurance was this good. My chocolate lab needed left knee surgery and trupanion paid most of what we had to pay outside of the deductible within a week with direct deposit. Having dealt with so many human medical insurance companies I expected the worst but was pleasantly surprised.
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Patricia C

12/22/2016
Amazing response time for multiple claims.
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P
Peterb1058

12/21/2016
I wish that all insurance companies were as easy to work with and simple to understand as Trupanion.
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